Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Siera Garcia

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Shane Donnelly, a native of South Park, Pennsylvania, is serving aboard Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) John F. Kennedy, an aircraft carrier currently under construction in Newport News, Virginia.

PCU is a designation used by the U.S. Navy to describe crews aboard vessels under construction prior to official commissioning.

Donnelly attended South Park High School and graduated in 2021.

“I learned growing up to always want more for myself,” said Donnelly. “In the Navy, I always want the best for myself and I strive to be the best I can every day and to never be complacent.”

Donnelly joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Donnelly serves as a boatswain's mate aboard PCU John F. Kennedy.

“I joined the Navy to be a part of something bigger than myself,” said Donnelly. "I also wanted to travel the world, have new experiences and take advantage of the educational benefits."

Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America’s Naval forces. For 101 years, they have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide. More than 5,000 sailors serve aboard these self-contained mobile airports.

Aircraft carriers are versatile and have unique mission capabilities that make them a more strategic asset for the Navy than fixed-site bases. They are often the first response in a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s ocean. In addition, no other weapon system can deploy and operate forward with a full-sized, nuclear-powered aircraft carrier’s speed, endurance, agility and the combat capability of its air wing.

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.

Donnelly serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Donnelly has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I am proud of making the rank of petty officer second class on deployment and scoring in the 98th percentile my first time up,” said Donnelly. “I am proud of that because in my rate, it is sometimes difficult to rank up. Being promoted also provides me financial stability and allows my family and I to live in our own space.”

Donnelly can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Serving in the Navy means countless opportunities to better myself every day,” said Donnelly.

Donnelly is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I want to thank my dad, Thomas Donnelly, for instilling in me my work ethic and grind mentality,” added Donnelly. "I also want to thank Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Heranadze for being my mentor. Lastly, I want to thank my chain of command for the knowledge they have given me and for always putting me in the best position to succeed."